Broken Bow Records Celebrates 50th No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, Layna Bunt, JoJamie Hahr, Lee Adams & Jon Loba.
On Jan. 16, BMG Americas’ President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland surprised Broken Bow Records’ VP, Promotion Lee Adams and Broken Bow Records’ Director, Promotion West Coast Layna Bunt with a plaque celebrating their 50th number one for Broken Bow Records.
BMI Hosts ‘How I Wrote That Song’ Series
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Edgar Barrera, JID, Laura Veltz, Rogét Chahayed, INK, BMI’s Mike Steinberg and Catherine Brewton. Photo: Louis Lee for BMI.
BMI hosted a Grammy edition of its How I Wrote That Song series at The London West Hollywood on Jan. 30.
The panel featured 2026 GRAMMY-nominated songwriters and producers Rogét Chahayed, INK, Edgar Barrera and Laura Veltz. BMI’s VP, Creative, Catherine Brewton led the discussion.
Over the two-hour panel, DJ Faucet played a couple of hit songs from each panelist, and the audience got an insider’s look into how each hit was created.
NEEDTOBREATHE Unveils ‘The Season of The Long Surrender’ Documentary
NEEDTOBREATHE has unveiled its The Season of The Long Surrender documentary.
Directed by Babysweet, The Season of The Long Surrender chronicles the making of the band’s 10th studio album, The Long Surrender. The documentary follows NEEDTOBREATHE in the studio, on stage, and on the road, with interspersed interviews with the band’s four members about what making the album has meant to each of them.
The Long Surrender will be released via MCA on March 27
Country Music Cruise Raises $57,900 Benefitting CMHOFM
Pictured (L-R): Ryan Hallquist, the Museum’s Manager of Advancement, Major Gifts; Mike Jason, StarVista LIVE President/Country Music Cruise Executive Producer; winning bidders Jeff King and Eric Blankenship; and Mike Robertson, Country Music Cruise Executive Producer. Photo: Sam Kerrigan/StarVista LIVE
Last week, the Country Music Cruise raised $57,900 benefitting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s nonprofit mission of preserving the history of country music and making it broadly accessible to a global audience.
The money was raised through auctioning two acoustic autographed guitars prior to Josh Turner’s two headline performances. Both guitars were signed by Country Music Hall of Fame members Randy Owen of Alabama, Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, and Patty Loveless, as well as Turner, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, David Frizzell, Wade Hays, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Chuck Mead, Shenandoah, and others.
John Carter Cash To Unveil First Visual Art Exhibition
John Carter Cash will unveil his first visual art exhibition, “Dark Hallways,” on Feb. 13 at Southern Underground Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.
“My art is not about the spaces we go through physically, but about those we move through internally,” he shares.
Cash will host an opening reception benefitting SOS Children’s Villages International.
Elvis Wade Remembrance Scheduled
/by Robert K OermannElvis Wade
A Celebration of Life for the late Elvis Wade is scheduled for Saturday (Feb. 14).
Wade died on Dec. 28, 2025 at age 79. He was regarded as the first and the best of the Elvis Presley imitators. He was also a screenwriter and an evangelist.
Born Walter Wade Cummins in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, he began playing guitar at age eight and was singing professionally by age 13. While he was performing in the Detroit-area show band Lafayette & Les Sabres, audiences repeatedly asked him to sing Presley songs. The band made his impersonations a key part of its show, and Cummins adopted the billing “Elvis Wade.”
In 1968, he began starring in his “Tribute to Elvis” touring show. He recorded his first album in 1974. Presley reportedly caught Wade’s act in 1976, and gave him a standing ovation.
Following Elvis Presley’s death in 1977, Elvis Wade’s career rose to another level. Grieving fans found solace in his music. According to Wade’s daughter Jessica Hill, “Elvis Wade became a beloved presence, offering authenticity, comfort and excellence.”
In 1986, Presley’s vocal backup quartet The Jordanaires teamed up with Wade to tour the world. They performed concerts together for the next 12 years, including two sold-out shows in London’s 12,500-seat Wembly Arena. Elvis Wade also sang with symphony orchestras in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Portland, Jackson and Billings.
In 1994, Wade married hit pop and country singer Sandy Posey (1944-2024), noted for such hits as “Born a Woman” (1966) and “Single Girl” (1967). In Memphis, she had sung backup for Presley. She and Wade met in 1992 when she sang backup for him.
He was also a songwriter, and his original songs appeared on such later Elvis Wade albums as Love Me to Pieces (1999), Looking Back (2013) and Smooth Sailing (2014). One of his 16 albums was a duet project, 2021’s Wade & Sandy Remember The Everly Brothers.
Under his birth name Wade Cummins, Elvis Wade wrote the original story and was credited as a writer for the feature film The Identical, starring Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd. The plot concerned twins separated at birth, one of whom becomes a music superstar. Elvis Presley’s twin died at birth. The Identical premiered at the Nashville Film Festival in 2014.
In 2021, Wade released an inspirational music video, “Jesus Took It All.” Thereafter, he used his platform as the original Elvis impersonator to share his religious testimony.
Elvis Wade is survived by his children Wanda Cherry, Brenda Tuschl, Aarom Cummins and Jessica Hill, as well as six grandchildren.
Saturday’s event in memory of Elvis Wade is scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Capital Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee. All are welcome.
Group Projects Publishing Adds Josh Kerr As Partner
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Cooper Anstett, Emma Kiefer, Josh Kerr and Anthony Manker. Photo: Courtesy of Group Projects Publishing
Group Projects Publishing has added Josh Kerr as Partner, expanding the leadership team alongside founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett, and Director of A&R Emma Kiefer.
A Grammy Award-winning songwriter, his catalog includes tracks with Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson, Jessie Murph, Ashley Cooke, Jake Scott, Jordan Davis, Stephen Wilson Jr and more. Kerr recently led production on Dickerson’s latest album, which features the Jonas Brothers collaboration and No. 1 single “Happen To Me,” as well as writing and producing tracks on Rhett’s latest project. A frequent creative partner of for KING & COUNTRY with seven award-winning No. 1 singles, Kerr also co-produced Keith Urban’s CMA-nominated Graffiti U and co-wrote Little Big Town’s ACM-nominated “Sugar Coat.”
“This partnership with Group Projects is about investing in people,” says Kerr. I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop songwriters and artists, champion creativity, and build something meaningful together.”
“Partnering with Josh to support the development of the Group Projects Publishing roster strengthens our A&R capabilities and significantly amplifies the value of our collective resources, drawing on his seasoned industry wisdom, proven instinct for identifying hits, and leadership across writing, production, and creative development,” adds Kiefer. “We are deeply grateful and excited to collaborate alongside him, combining our ears, leveraging his hard-earned relationships and network, and building opportunities to win together.”
Liz Rose Renews Global Partnership With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Austen Adams (WCM), Phil May (WCM) and Dave Pacula (Liz Rose Music). (L-R, front row): Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Liz Rose, Gracie Glass (Liz Rose Music)
Liz Rose has renewed her global partnership with Warner Chappell Music.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame member was a pivotal collaborator for Taylor Swift early in her career, co-writing 16 global hits, including “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” “You Belong With Me” and “Teardrops On My Guitar,” among many others. Beyond that, she has earned cuts with Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Dan + Shay, Parker McCollum, Chris Young and Eli Young Band, among many others. An ACM, CMA, and SESAC Songwriter of the Year recipient and Texas Heritage Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Rose was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of the Fame last year.
The renewed agreement also reinforces a landmark pact with Liz Rose Music, Rose’s independent publishing company, whose roster includes Eric Paslay, Adam Sanders, Cassidy Daniels and more.
“I’m really happy to continue my partnership with the Warner Chappell team,” shares Rose. “We’ve built something special together over the years, and I’m grateful for the trust, support, and shared commitment to great songs. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings.”
“Without a doubt, Liz is one of the most influential songwriters of our time, with an impressive catalog of music whose impact transcends generations,” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship and remain committed to supporting her vision as both a songwriter and a leader. Together with Scott, they’ve built an incredibly talented roster of creators at Liz Rose Music, and we’re honored to be a part of their next chapter.”
Opry Partners With Martin Guitars To Create Opry 100th Anniversary Martin HD-28
/by Lorie HollabaughOpry member Vince Gill was the first artist to ever play the one-of-a-kind instrument when the guitar was introduced to the public for the first time and played it on the 100th Anniversary Opry show on November 28, 2025.
The Grand Ole Opry, George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars, and Martin Guitars have teamed up to create a new, limited-edition Martin HD-28 Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary guitar.
Vince Gill was the first artist to ever play the one-of-a-kind instrument when the guitar was introduced to the public for the first time, playing it on the 100th Anniversary Opry show on November 28. The Martin HD-28 Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary is handcrafted to honor a century of music, storytelling, and unforgettable moments on country’s most iconic stage. Built on the foundation of Martin’s legendary HD-28, it delivers the bold, balanced Dreadnought tone players have long trusted with powerful bass, clear trebles, and rich overtones shaped by forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing.
To mark the Opry’s 100th anniversary, Martin’s artisans added exclusive unique details, including a headplate featuring a custom inlay of the historic WSM microphone rendered in mother-of-pearl and abalone, a tribute to the broadcast that carried country music nationwide. A matching commemorative inlay theme continues along the ebony fingerboard, celebrating a century of Opry history. Handcrafted with a solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, bold herringbone top trim, and elegant antique white binding, this special HD-28 also features a comfortable Golden Era Modified Low Oval neck.
The limited edition Martin HD-28 Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary guitar is available for purchase here.
ONErpm Adds Mike Easterlin To Lead Nashville Office [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkMike Easterlin. Photo: Courtesy of ONErpm
ONErpm has added Mike Easterlin as Managing Director of its Nashville division.
Easterlin brings decades of experience in A&R and promotion to the role, with stops at Virgin, Def Jam and Atlantic. He later served as co-president of the relaunched Elektra Records before co-founding Severance Records. At ONErpm, Easterlin will oversee A&R, roster development and day-to-day operations in Nashville.
“I’ve always believed in the independent spirit of artists—the drive to create, take risks and build something real. Helping talent find their voice and turn it into a lasting career has always been my passion,” shares Easterlin. “ONErpm embodies those same values: passion, focus, transparency, and a real commitment to giving artists a global platform to grow on their own terms.”
Additionally, ONErpm has added Josh Tomlinson as Director of A&R, Lindsey Terry as the Country Marketing Director, and Chad Neville as a Project Manager.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my love for the song and the creator to ONErpm to help grow our Nashville business while working with some of the most forward-thinking minds in the music industry,” says Tomlinson.
Industry Ink: Broken Bow Records, BMI, NEEDTOBREATHE, Country Music Cruise, More
/by Lauryn SinkBroken Bow Records Celebrates 50th No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, Layna Bunt, JoJamie Hahr, Lee Adams & Jon Loba.
On Jan. 16, BMG Americas’ President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland surprised Broken Bow Records’ VP, Promotion Lee Adams and Broken Bow Records’ Director, Promotion West Coast Layna Bunt with a plaque celebrating their 50th number one for Broken Bow Records.
BMI Hosts ‘How I Wrote That Song’ Series
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Edgar Barrera, JID, Laura Veltz, Rogét Chahayed, INK, BMI’s Mike Steinberg and Catherine Brewton. Photo: Louis Lee for BMI.
BMI hosted a Grammy edition of its How I Wrote That Song series at The London West Hollywood on Jan. 30.
The panel featured 2026 GRAMMY-nominated songwriters and producers Rogét Chahayed, INK, Edgar Barrera and Laura Veltz. BMI’s VP, Creative, Catherine Brewton led the discussion.
Over the two-hour panel, DJ Faucet played a couple of hit songs from each panelist, and the audience got an insider’s look into how each hit was created.
NEEDTOBREATHE Unveils ‘The Season of The Long Surrender’ Documentary
NEEDTOBREATHE has unveiled its The Season of The Long Surrender documentary.
Directed by Babysweet, The Season of The Long Surrender chronicles the making of the band’s 10th studio album, The Long Surrender. The documentary follows NEEDTOBREATHE in the studio, on stage, and on the road, with interspersed interviews with the band’s four members about what making the album has meant to each of them.
The Long Surrender will be released via MCA on March 27
Country Music Cruise Raises $57,900 Benefitting CMHOFM
Pictured (L-R): Ryan Hallquist, the Museum’s Manager of Advancement, Major Gifts; Mike Jason, StarVista LIVE President/Country Music Cruise Executive Producer; winning bidders Jeff King and Eric Blankenship; and Mike Robertson, Country Music Cruise Executive Producer. Photo: Sam Kerrigan/StarVista LIVE
Last week, the Country Music Cruise raised $57,900 benefitting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s nonprofit mission of preserving the history of country music and making it broadly accessible to a global audience.
The money was raised through auctioning two acoustic autographed guitars prior to Josh Turner’s two headline performances. Both guitars were signed by Country Music Hall of Fame members Randy Owen of Alabama, Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, and Patty Loveless, as well as Turner, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, David Frizzell, Wade Hays, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Chuck Mead, Shenandoah, and others.
John Carter Cash To Unveil First Visual Art Exhibition
John Carter Cash will unveil his first visual art exhibition, “Dark Hallways,” on Feb. 13 at Southern Underground Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.
“My art is not about the spaces we go through physically, but about those we move through internally,” he shares.
Cash will host an opening reception benefitting SOS Children’s Villages International.
Tyler Booth Signs JV Deal With Average Joes & Big Gassed Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (Back Row, L-R): Forrest Latta (President, AJE); Andrew Davis (SVP, AJE); Clinton Woolsey (CEO, EWC) and Allen Mitchell (President, EWC). (Front Row, L-R): Tyler Booth and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Joseph Cash
Singer/songwriter Tyler Booth has signed a joint venture agreement with Jamey Johnson’s Big Gassed Records and Average Joes Entertainment. He has also inked with The Erv Woolsey Company for management.
After playing festivals in high school and attending Morehead State, the Campton, Kentucky native recorded an EP, Make It to Mexico, and received more than 1 million views on his the video for “Hank Crankin’ People.” His song “Palomino Princess” garnered more than 22 million streams on Spotify alone. He has toured with Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker and Dwight Yoakam, and recorded with Brooks & Dunn on “Lost and Found” on their 2019 Reboot album.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be involved with Tyler,” shares Forrest Latta, president of Average Joes Entertainment. “After hearing his latest project – the talent, the growth, the ability to create the traditional sounds and compelling stories that have made country music great – we couldn’t get enough. And to partner with an icon like Jamey made this a no brainer. We had to be a part of it.”
“He is a wonderful singer and a great songwriter and he deserves to be heard,” Johnson says. “When I found out that he was off the label, I called him up and told him, ‘Keep writing. Keep your head up. Stay busy. Keep recording and let’s see what happens.’ He called me after he had recorded some songs and I listened to a few of them. He even asked me to sing on one with him. When I heard what he had been working on, I knew he was ready. He just needs an opportunity.”
“Tyler embodies the traditional, storytelling spirit that has been at the core of our company’s reputation since its formation in the ‘80s,” shares Erv Woolsey Company president Allen Mitchell. “As the EWC forges into the future, we couldn’t be more proud that he chose to partner with us for this next chapter of his career.”
BREAKING: George Briner Retires As President Of The Valory Music Co.
/by LB CantrellGeorge Briner
George Briner has exited his post as President of The Valory Music Co. today (Feb. 9), announcing his retirement after more than 18 years with the company and 40-plus years in country music.
“What a ride, in short, since I stepped into the country music world in 1984 working as the Promotion Director at KZLA/Los Angeles, to this day as I step away from my role as President at The Valory Music Co.,” the industry veteran shared with the Valory and Big Machine Label Group staff. “There are so many chapters, so much incredible music and so many artists I have had the privilege to be associated with, not to mention all the people that I have had the honor of working with and getting to know. I truly have loved every minute! From KZLA, Warner Bros., Giant Records, Magnatone, Curb Universal, DreamWorks, MCA, BNA and the last eighteen years with Valory. I have so many people to thank, especially Audra, my wife, who has supported me on this journey (we finally get to take those trips we have talked about), the Valory family and those at BMLG, all who have been a part of this amazing chapter. And thank you, Scott Borchetta, for your leadership, passion, belief in me and – most importantly – friendship.”
“George Briner has been my brother, friend, and colleague for more years than either of us care to mention,” adds Borchetta, BMLG Founder, Chairman & CEO. “He is and will always be the consummate ‘record guy.’ He loves turning people onto artists and music and, generally, just loves people. It has been my true honor and pleasure to fight these battles and win these wars and reach the top of the mountain with him so many times. From our Toby Keith No. 1’s at DreamWorks to our latest Thomas Rhett No. 1’s at Valory, and everything in between, he’s led the charge and truly became one of the GOATs. Country music is better because of George Briner.”
Since joining The Valory Music Co., Briner has helped propel 46 singles to No. 1, oversaw the release of countless multi-Platinum and Platinum-certified albums, and led the charge on marketing and promotion strategies for artists including Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Sheryl Crow, RaeLynn, Aaron Lewis, Preston Cooper, Mackenzie Carpenter and more.
Briner can be reached at brinerge@comcast.net.
HARDY Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenHARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With his own “Favorite Country Song” and Morgan Wallen’s “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” and “I Got Better,” the singer-songwriter sits at No. 10 this week.
Zach Bryan remains at No. 1 for the third consecutive week with all solo-penned “Appetite,” “Bad News,” “Drowning,” “Plastic Cigarette,” “Runny Eggs,” “Santa Fe,” “Say Why,” “Skin,” “Slicked Back” and “With Heaven On Top.” Chase McGill moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “the hell you are” and “Water At A Wedding.”
Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Ty Myers (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Music Health Alliance Expands Leadership Team, Promotes Six
/by LB CantrellLindsay Hayes
Music Health Alliance has appointed Lindsay Hayes as Vice President of Development, and announced several staff promotions across its advocacy and healthcare navigation team.
In Hayes’ new role, she will lead the growth of MHA’s fundraising and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term financial sustainability. She brings more than 15 years of experience supporting artists and creative organizations through growth, transition and large-scale productions.
“For the past 10 years, producing Music Health Alliance’s annual benefit as a volunteer has been a source of great pride for me,” shares Hayes. “I’m thrilled to now make things official and join MHA at a time when their work has never been more vital.”
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hayes moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where she graduated magna cum laude before launching her career in the music business. Early in her career she worked on notable projects including the Grammy-nominated album I Love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow (Red Beet Records). She went on to spend nearly a decade in artist management before transitioning into a Marketing Director role at Red Light Management, and most recently served as General Manager of Collective Artist Management, overseeing operations, strategy and partnerships.
“For years we have hoped the stars would align for Lindsay to join us in an official capacity, and today feels like the answer to a very long prayer,” says Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder & CEO. “Lindsay brings a rare combination of innovative strategy expertise, deep industry knowledge, and a heart that beats for the wellbeing of our creative community. Having her leadership on our team is not only a dream realized, but a powerful investment in the future of Music Health Alliance and the people we are privileged to serve.”
Pictured (L-R, top row): Britton Barnette, Erin Lancaster and Dr. Zacquia McKinley; (L-R, bottom row): Steven Crowder, Suzanne Berg and Sophie Badgett
In addition to Hayes’ appointment, Music Health Alliance has also promoted several key staff. Britton Barnette has risen to Senior Advocate Coordinator; Erin Lancaster to Director of Group Health; Sophie Badgett to Senior Manager of Advocacy & Insurance, Dental Coordination; Steven Crowder to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Business Management Relations; Suzanne Berg to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Artist Management Relations; and Zacquia McKinley to Director of Advocacy & Insurance.
“I’m so proud to celebrate these hard-earned promotions! Each of these six team members has advanced the mission of Music Health Alliance through their impactful results, innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the music community we serve. These promotions honor the impact they’ve already made and their momentum to continue to Heal The Music,” says Allsep.